BI-ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
Night in Spain
D i n n e r , P e r f o r m a n c e , a n d A f t e r - p a r t y F e a t u r i n g t h e S a n D i e g o S y m p h o n y w i t h :
Dear Friends of The San Diego Symphony,
As we reflect on our journey through the first half of 2025, I am filled with immense gratitude for the continued support of our extraordinary community. This mid-year report offers a glimpse into the impact we’ve made together, and some wonderful things yet to come thanks to your generosity and dedication. Whether through your donations, time, or presence at our performances, you are helping us bring music to life in ways that inspire and uplift our region.
We are proud of the accomplishments we’ve made so far this year, and we recognize that none of this would be possible without you. Your unwavering belief in the transformative power of music enables us to reach new heights, provide enriching educational opportunities, and create unforgettable experiences for all who engage with our organization.
As we look ahead, I invite you to continue this journey with us. Your ongoing support is critical in ensuring that The San Diego Symphony remains a beacon of cultural vitality for generations to come. By making a donation before June 30, you can double your impact by supporting our Matching Gift Campaign. Together, we can continue to enrich lives, foster creativity, and elevate the arts in our San Diego region.
On behalf of all of us at The San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association, thank you for your incredible support. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our orchestra and to the community in which we live.
Sincerely,
Dave Snyder Chair, Board of Directors San Diego Symphony
The San Diego Symphony IMPACT REPORT
With the return to Jacobs Music Center, we reaffirm our commitment to being a place where everyone belongs. This vision came to life through programs that bring people together, celebrate our community, and deepen connections through music.
Jacobs Music Center Opening: Day of Music
On September 29, 5,000 community members gathered for the Day of Music at Jacobs Music Center, a free celebration featuring over 600 artists from the San Diego-Tijuana region. Designed as an open house, this event transformed the venue into a vibrant showcase of musical talent, reinforcing the Symphony’s belief that music is for everyone. Throughout the day, performances filled the halls, activating downtown San Diego with a spirit of joy and belonging. By opening our doors to partner organizations, we strengthened relationships across the arts community, ensuring that Jacobs Music Center remains a shared space where artists and audiences alike can find inspiration. The event set a new precedent for what it means to experience the Symphony—offering not only extraordinary music but moments of surprise and delight that invite audiences into something greater than a concert.
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Photo by Todd R.
High School Ambassadors SPOTLIGHT ON LAIYINA SHATE
Seven years ago, the Symphony launched the High School Ambassador program with just four students. Today, it has grown into a transformative experience, drawing over 150 applicants for 30 openings each year. Over two weeks, Ambassadors gain hands-on experience in arts administration, developing financial literacy, public speaking skills, and career readiness. More than just a learning opportunity, the program cultivates a deeper understanding of the role the arts play in shaping communities.
Laiyina Shate, a 2024 Ambassador, reflected on her journey at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, sharing how her first experience with the Symphony as a child ignited her passion for music.
In her own words:
“The San Diego Symphony is more than just an orchestra. It’s a collective of musicians, mentors, and community members who ignite a spark in young musicians like me. When I first saw the Symphony as a child, I was in awe— not just of the music, but of the people behind it. That moment set me on my own musical journey.”
-Laiyina Shate
Her story reflects the heart of the High School Ambassador program: expanding access to the arts, inspiring young leaders, and fostering lifelong connections to music and community.
Scan the QR code to view the press release for the League of American Orchestras Student Leadership Council.
Photos by Shea Perry
Photos by Shea Perry
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Music Connects BRINGING MUSIC TO THE COMMUNITY
Ensuring that music reaches all corners of our community, the Symphony partnered with over 100 nonprofit organizations this season, providing nearly 5,000 free tickets to performances at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Jacobs Music Center. Beyond welcoming audiences into our venues, we also brought music directly to those who needed it most. Chamber ensembles performed for patients and families at Rady Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Sharp Hospice Bonita View, and UCSD Moores Cancer Center, offering moments of comfort and joy through music. The full orchestra extended its reach even further, performing for active service members and their families at Bob Hope Theater at Miramar Marine Base, as well as for young people at the Youth Transition Center and women at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. These efforts are deeply valued by our community partners, as expressed by Boys to Men Mentoring:
“Your commitment to the community through the Music Connects program is truly inspiring. You’re opening doors for people who might not otherwise have access to live music and cultural experiences, and I can’t express enough how much that means to the families we serve. Music has a way of healing and uniting, and through your generosity, our mentors, boys, and their families are able to connect with the arts in a powerful way.”
By meeting people where they are, the Symphony continues to harness the power of music as a force for connection, healing, and shared experience.
Photo by Jenna Gilmer
Family Program EXPANSION
This season marked a major expansion in family programming, creating new opportunities for young audiences to experience the magic of live music. Symphony Kids, a new concert series designed for our youngest listeners, introduced families to each section of the orchestra through interactive performances. Thoughtfully designed in partnership with SDSU Autism Center, the series incorporated sensoryfriendly accommodations, including a quiet room and a social story to help prepare children for the concert experience. The pre-concert lobby buzzed with excitement as children engaged in hands-on instrument exploration, made possible through a collaboration with ChIMES, the early childhood music education program of KeyNote/San Diego Youth Symphony. Visual artist Becky Aitken further enriched the experience, leading pre-concert crafts that encouraged artistic expression beyond the stage.
For families with older children, the return of Family Concerts provided opportunities to experience the full orchestra in dynamic, engaging performances. In November, the Día de los Muertos Celebration brought together music, storytelling, and visual art, as Mexican-American artist Maricruz Alvarado transformed our community ofrenda and Ballet Folklorico Jalisciense filled the stage with dance. Later in the season, Philharmonia Fantastique by Mason Bates offered an imaginative exploration of orchestral instruments with visuals by Pixar artists, while Caroline Shaw’s A Mountain That Loved A Bird told a heartwarming story of friendship and resilience through music. These programs reinforce our belief that music should be welcoming, engaging, and accessible to all families, creating experiences that foster curiosity and wonder.
Photos by Jenna Gilmer
Donor Benefit Events
PARTNER WITH A PLAYER
Members of the Partner with a Player program provide sustaining annual support for the Symphony and gain an intimate perspective of what it is like to be a musician within this extraordinary group of performers.
“Partner with a Player” supporters take the stage alongside their San Diego Symphony Orchestra partners for an exclusive private performance led by Music Director Rafael Payare.”
Concertmaster Jeff Thayer, violinist Hanah Stuart, and Associate Concertmaster Wes Precourt attending the highly anticipated Partner with a Player Dinner and Onstage Experience, celebrating those whose generous gifts support the Partner with a Player program.
Sarah and Marc Zeitlin with partnered musician, Cherry Yeung, Acting Principal Second Violin.
Ali Nafii, Eunice Bragais, San Diego Symphony Planned Giving Advisory Council Member, and Lisa Behun, Chair of the Symphony’s Planned Giving Advisory Council, at our Orchestrating Wealth Event.
Donor Benefit Events
ORCHESTRATING WEALTH
The Orchestrating Wealth event is an exclusive gathering that combines the artistry of music with expert financial insights. Attendees gain valuable knowledge from a panel of top wealth experts, including San Diego’s leading estate attorneys and wealth strategists, as they discuss strategies for optimizing tax savings and securing a stronger financial future.
Assistant Principal Timpanist Andrew Watkins took the stage at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center during the Orchestrating Wealth event.
Guests mingle ahead of a performance by members of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and a talk led by leading financial experts from San Diego.
Donor Benefit Events
MEET THE MUSICIANS
Meet the Musicians is an annual donor event that offers our supporters a unique opportunity to connect with Symphony musicians on a deeper level. Hosted by President and CEO Martha Gilmer, this engaging event features a guided conversation where musicians share personal stories, insights into their artistry, and reflections on their musical journeys.
We’re grateful for our wonderful partnership with the University Club, whose outstanding food and beverage offerings help us host warm, welcoming, and memorable donor events at the Jacobs Music Center.
Symphony supporters mingle in the historic lobby of Jacobs Music Center, enjoying a lively pre-event reception ahead of the Meet the Musicians program.
President and CEO Martha Gilmer led violinist Evan Pasternak and Associate Principal Cello Chia-ling Chien in an inspiring conversation where they shared insights into their backgrounds, the audition process, and what they love about being part of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Donor Benefit Events
L EGACY LUNCH
Our Legacy Lunch honors Symphony supporters who have generously committed to a future gift through their financial and estate plans, ensuring the Symphony’s enduring legacy for generations to come.
Post-concert lunch with the Symphony’s Legacy Society supporters at
Former Board Chair Dr. Warren Kessler , leading a thoughtful conversation with Concertmaster Jeff Thayer, Principal Bass Jeremy Kurtz-Harris , and Percussion and Assistant Principal Timpani Andrew Watkins.
the University Club.
Former Board Chair, Hal Fuson and Pam Fuson enjoying this year’s Legacy Lunch.
1245 7th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
sandiegosymphony.org
Name a Seat
PLAY A PART IN BUILDING THE SYMPHONY’S FUTURE
A gift toward the renovated Jacobs Music Center supports the orchestra, elevates the audience experience and impacts the growing vitality of downtown San Diego. The beauty of the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center is most enjoyed from the reconfigured seating in the hall. We ask you to join this historic campaign by investing in the San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s future and NAMING A SEAT. The named seats serve as a celebration of all individuals who helped make the renovation possible.
Ways to Support
$10,000
One named seat in the Orchestra Level
$25,000 One named seat in the Grand Tier
All contributions toward naming a seat or row can be pledged and paid over one to five years.
To learn more or to make a gift to the Jacobs Music Center renovation, contact: Jen Nicolai, Director of Advancement, Campaign and Major Gifts at jnicolai@sandiegosymphony.org or (619) 237-1969.
$100,000 Name a row of seats in the Orchestra or Mezzanine level (recognition placed on the aisle endcap)
$150,000
Name a row of seats in the Grand Tier (recognition placed on the aisle endcap)
